General: USB, Bluetooth and MP3 on a 2007 C30! And it works!

[Daim]

Hi!

A few weeks ago I asked here if anyone was interested in a group buy of a Grom MOST unit, which will allow older radios (pre 2008!) to be retrofitted with an MP3 function thrus USB, AUX, Ipod and other connectivities...

I bought and fitted one and must say, I'm impressed!

Even though my car had the AUX port, I hated using it. You can't simply choose the song you want. You can't select a play list or press "next" if the current song bugs you...

The Grom unit uses the factory interface and controls. You can select what mode you want (Ipod, streaming via phone, USB, AUX) and also accept - if you have the bluetooth function (which can be fitted later) - calls... My "old" phone has no worries with it. All hidden, all great things...

The only downside: you have to sacrifice the CD player... Done and don't regret!

[SonyVaio]

Any pics of the install Daim?

I seen the video clip you referred to on your previous thread about the MOST unit. I was impressed and would have loved to keep the functionality with the original stereo buttons, I've just fitted a Parrot 9200 and I'm pretty happy with the functionality it provides with connectivity and ease of use.

My 2004 stereo is High Performance with the AMP in the boot but I had no AUX, iPod, USB nor Bluetooth. Infact my stereo couldn't even play MP3, it did have the inbuilt 6 disc changer though.

[MikeV50SELUX]

Hi,

I'm now interested in this! I have an AUX and single slot CD but no Bluetooth in the car. I do however have a Nokia handsfree which I can't seem to get on with compare to a Parrot in a previous car. And like you don't like having to fiddle with the ipod to change tracks etc so using the steering wheel buttons would be worth the money alone.

What i would like to do if I went down the GROM route is to use it to:
1. run my ipod touch for music - wired not bluetoothed
2. use it as handsfree kit for my phones (personal samsung and works Nokia)

Do you think it would work for this? what about the mic for the handsfree? maybe I would need to keep the mic from the Nokia kit?

Thanks M.

[Daim]

Originally Posted by SonyVaio

Any pics of the install Daim?

I seen the video clip you referred to on your previous thread about the MOST unit. I was impressed and would have loved to keep the functionality with the original stereo buttons, I've just fitted a Parrot 9200 and I'm pretty happy with the functionality it provides with connectivity and ease of use.

My 2004 stereo is High Performance with the AMP in the boot but I had no AUX, iPod, USB nor Bluetooth. Infact my stereo couldn't even play MP3, it did have the inbuilt 6 disc changer though.

That is the nice thing about the install: nothing to be seen afterwards All is hidden and dissappears behind all console covers. No extra screens or so...

[Daim]

Originally Posted by MikeV50SELUX

Hi Mike,

I'm now interested in this! I have an AUX and single slot CD but no Bluetooth in the car. I do however have a Nokia handsfree which I can't seem to get on with compare to a Parrot in a previous car. And like you don't like having to fiddle with the ipod to change tracks etc so using the steering wheel buttons would be worth the money alone.

What i would like to do if I went down the GROM route is to use it to:
1. run my ipod touch for music - wired not bluetoothed
2. use it as handsfree kit for my phones (personal samsung and works Nokia)

Do you think it would work for this? what about the mic for the handsfree? maybe I would need to keep the mic from the Nokia kit?

Thanks M.

Hi!

It sure will work! I have the same chosen setup. Bluetooth dongle for either phoning/receiving calls and possibly streaming music and a USB connection (which is always in the kit) for MP3s. You can also get an IPOD kit too - though I'm not sure whether you can use the "left/right" controls to choose songs.

One downside: it doesn't say what song you are playing. You have to in that sense guess the song - but the normal MP3 function with the CD player did the same... I'm going to ask Grom, if there is a possible update coming to do that...

[Daim]

Hi!

As written I've fitted a GROM MST3 MOST unit into my non USB-capable High Performance radio.

Important to keep in mind:
This only works if you have a single CD unit! Means: no exchanger!
It MAY be, that you need a software correction from Volvo, in order to remove the MOST security patch (only via dealership possible!) - this depends on the country you are in!

GROM doesn't deliver an installation guide and refers to the BMW 3 series (E90) installation. This doesn't apply completely to Volvo, as the colours are different on a Volvo. You also have to remove a fair bit more to do so... Don't worry though - no special skills are required. Only a few tools:

1. bone tool
2. torx driver
3. slotted screwdriver

So let's start...

First, make sure you have all that, what should be included in the basic kit:

1. GROM box with 1 USB connector, 2 "multi-pin" plugs and the POF (plastic optical fiber) plug - rear sticker MUST say VOLSO!
2. little connector with 2/3 cables (mine came with 1x red, 1x black & 1x orange/yellow)
3. velcro pad
4. USB cable with male and female connectors
5. POF cables (two) coupled by a plug at the end
6. black POF connector
7. GROM 2GB USB stick

I ordered the basic kit + the Bluetooth dongle.

Here is what you should start off with



Installation guide:

First step is to take the interior apart in order to get to the connectors. Start off with the shift knob (if manual!). Compress from above and twist ANTI-clockwise by about 90-100°. Before lifting it off, unclip the boot (start on the side and carefully pry it apart - or use your bone tool). WARNING! If you have an aluminium waterfall, don't force it! Lift it off and put it byside (I always put the things in the boot/trunk, in order to keep a little space inside):






Next step is to remove (on pre-2008 models) the 12V plug/cig-lighter bracket. This is only clipped in. Either use a bone tool and wedge it apart or use your fingers. It CAN sit very tight! Carefully remove it and unplug the 12V connector. Undo the two screws (torx) covered by that bracket and put carefully in a pot or bag, so you don't lose them:





Next step is a little more fiddly. You'll need to remove the CD-insert/display surrounding cover at the top. To do so, use a stable/sturdy slotted screwdriver and poke this in left and right of the CD opening. You can feel the correct position. Carefully press and the surrounding will come out a little. Do this on both sides and then pull a little more firm:







Now we have to remove the lower plate/cover behind the waterfall. Here you'll need your bone tool. It is only clipped in, so open the glove pocket and insert the bone tool between the back panel and the carrier and remove:






When that has been removed, you can remove the display. This is held in place by two clips and a "guide slit". Put your hand behind the waterfall and work your way upwards until you can feel the rear of the display. A little bit of force is required to push it out from behind. When out, unclip both plugs. WARNING! Do NOT bend, twist or stretch the thick orange cables. These are POFs!!! Put display safely down! These cost a good bit of cash! Remove the two torx from behind the display:









Once the screws have been removed, you can take the waterfall out of it's position. Be careful and lift off gently and unplug the green connector:





This isn't enough yet! Next is the CD player/slot thingey. This is held in place by two more torx screws. Remove and don't worry, the hole looks smaller than the CD player is, but that still goes through with no issues. Again, be careful! There are again POFs at the back! Also, depending on age/model/etc. a little plastic clip can be inserted underneath the CD player. This needs to be removed!






On the CD player are three plugs. The black one, with two orange "cables" (POF). A white one with 2 large black cables (ground) and the grey one with lots of pretty colours!

Against the GROM instructions, locate the yellow/red (for red) and black/light blue (for black) cables and attach via the tap ons (not tampons! ) to the cables. The orange/yellow cable in the GROM kit is NOT required! I left it on the connector, just taped it up so it didn't get caught up anywhere!





Very carefully push the CD player back into it's position and screw in again (no pictures required for that I guess ). The next step is to connect the POF cables. I found it easier to attach them to the display's plug. This is now a little fiddley so please bear with me!

Right, locate the connector with the orange POFs and remove the little blue tab. Using a little slotted driver, push it through and instantly grab it! These are a pain to find again!!!

Carefully pry out the "ingoing" POF (as can be seen on the plug itself -> see arrows) and replace with the "outgoing" POF from the GROM unit. Reinsert "blue T" into plug to secure the POFs.





From here on, I didn't do any other pictures (DOH!) but never the less, it is all easy to explain. Connect the two remaining POFs via the little black connector and secure via using the second part of the clip.

Now you have basically completed the system! BEFORE refitting everything, check that it works! Plug all parts together (even if not in the correct position!). Select "CD" (either via CD button or MODE button) and see if you can play from the provided (and hopefully correct set up) USB stick. You should instantly get music from the stick.

If (!) you have the trouble, that the music only plays for say 10-15 seconds and then cuts out, turning off radio and co, then you need the MOST security command set to "OFF". This can vary from model year to model year and country to country. Before you phone your local Volvo workshop, contact Volvo HQ first and inform them of what you wish to do... They can say "yes" or "no". Normal answer is: "It can't be done from factory, but is possible at the workshops". Some workshops (for example in the UK) can't/won't do so... I paid around ~€25 (US prices will be half that!) for this to be deactivated...

Should you be one of the lucky ones, where it works instantly, put it back together. Best position for the GROM unit to be stored, is, when you look from the driver's seat (LHD) towards the glove pocket, in the little open corner (at least it was open on my C30 - which is equal to S40/V50/C70). Carefully "wedge" it in there and reassemble the same way as dismantle.

A little tip!

The USB cable can easily end in the armrest compartment. For that you'll have to undo the 4 screws for the center console. Two under the radio area (you will see them instantly) and two in the arm rest. Open lid, remove rubber mat and wedge bone tone between the plastic insert (visible) and the casing. Once all four screws have been removed, pull the console to the rear of the car. It will unclip at the front and you can lift it up.

That would be the installation guide for the GROM USB unit. The bluetooth dongle isn't had to install. Can be done at the same time. I placed the dongle itself next to the gear stick inside that area. As mine has loads of space in there, I stuck it to the side with the velcro pad. The microphone cable in my car leads along the top edge of the headliner down the passenger (LHD) side A-column, under the glovepocket to the connector inside the center console... Really easy installation

Good thing is: except the microphone, ALL things are hidden. No extra displays (Parrot), no cables heading anywhere (AUX/Ipod via AUX) and it all works via the radio controls...

My opinion:

For the cash, an expensive/costy little extra, but definately worth the cash. There are of course a few pros with it and a few cons...

Pro:
- full integration into the system... No more cables dangling anywhere
- GOOD quality sound, if played via MP3
- easy control, once you know how to use it

Con:
- nearly every song starts with a "buuup" or "crrrrrsh" (I guess that is probably the MP3 song quality)
- you can't see what track exactly is playing (only "1:09" -> 1st playlist, 9th song)
- you can't fast forward a song (either listen to it or next)
- when random is on, it will only random the songs in the playlist you are in

I guess the cons can be sorted out via GROM unit software updates (there are regular updates - free of charge! - which can improve the features) or with better quality MP3s.

Even though - according to my list - more cons than pros exist, it is still a good product and worth the cash! For people who don't want to have to touch their MP3 player, solder something into the amp or bodge this that and the other, it is a great thing! It can also be removed quickly, if you intend on selling the car and upgrading etc. At the same time, it provides future upgrade possibilities (Ipod, AUX, bla bla), which aren't possible on pre-2008 cars.

[kebab10]

Good write up there Daim.

[SonyVaio]

Yip, nice job and well done.

10 out of 10 for the write up too. I'm sure it will be a great gelp for those that follow.

[Daim]

Thanks Handy having the Fat Gecko suction mount

[SonyVaio]

Daim,

Just been looking throught hem pics and the write up again and noticed you've not got a Sports Steering Wheel?

They are absolutely brilliant compared to a standard wheel, the difference and feel of them is like night and day.